How to Unlock VST in Black Ops 7

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 3 has arrived, bringing a wave of new content-including the highly anticipated VST submachine gun (SMG). Drawing inspiration from the beloved MP7 from Black Ops 2, the VST is a lightweight, full-auto weapon designed for hit-and-run playstyles, boasting exceptional mobility and handling that makes it a dominant force in close-range combat. Whether you're a multiplayer fan or a Warzone enthusiast, unlocking the VST will elevate your loadout. This guide breaks down all the methods to unlock the VST, plus tips to speed up progression and make the most of the weapon once you have it.

What Is the VST in Black Ops 7?

Before diving into unlock methods, it's important to understand what makes the VST stand out. As a full-auto SMG, it prioritizes mobility and handling, making it perfect for players who prefer aggressive, fast-paced gameplay. It supports multiple calibers and has a maximum weapon level of 39, with various mastery badges and prestige camos to unlock as you level it up.

While the VST excels at hip-firing in close quarters, it does have noticeable recoil, which can make mid-range engagements challenging unless you use the right attachments. For those looking to extend its range and stability, the MFS 5.56 Minsas conversion-unlocked as a prestige attachment-trades some fire rate for better damage range and recoil control.

Method 1: Unlock the VST via the Season 3 Battle Pass (Free Path)

The primary and most accessible way to unlock the VST is through the Season 3 Battle Pass. Unlike some premium weapons, the VST is available for free to all players, no BlackCell or premium Battle Pass purchase required.

Specifically, the VST is the High-Value Target (HVT) reward on Page 6 of the Season 3 Battle Pass. This means you need to unlock all the rewards on Page 6 first before you can claim the VST. To progress through the Battle Pass, you'll need to earn Battle Pass Tokens by playing matches and completing challenges.

To speed up your progress, focus on maximizing XP gains rather than just playing more matches. Prioritize daily and weekly challenges, as they offer substantial XP rewards. Objective-based gameplay-such as capturing points in multiplayer or completing contracts in Warzone-also accelerates your Battle Pass progression, helping you reach Page 6 faster.

If you're a BlackCell owner, you can instantly unlock Page 6, allowing you to spend your tokens and get the base VST much quicker than the standard grind. This is a great option for players who want to start using the VST immediately without putting in hours of progression.

Method 2: Unlock the VST via Store Bundle Purchase

For players who prefer to skip the Battle Pass grind entirely, there's a second option: purchasing a Season 3 store bundle that includes a VST weapon blueprint. This method grants instant access to the base VST, along with a pre-built blueprint and several free attachments.

As of Season 3's launch, Activision has not confirmed the exact price of the bundle or the design of the VST blueprint. However, store bundles typically become available shortly after the season starts, so keep an eye on the in-game store for updates-especially after April 2, 2026, when Season 3 fully launches.

It's important to note that while the store bundle unlocks the VST instantly, you'll still need to level the weapon up normally to unlock its full range of attachments, mastery badges, and prestige camos. The blueprint is a nice bonus, but the true potential of the VST comes from leveling it and customizing it to your playstyle.

Tips to Speed Up VST Unlock and Progression

Whether you're using the Battle Pass or store bundle method, these tips will help you make the most of the VST once it's unlocked-and speed up progression if you're grinding the Battle Pass.

First, optimize your gameplay for XP. In multiplayer, focus on objective modes like Domination or Hardpoint, as these modes reward consistent play and objective completion with more XP than deathmatch modes. In Warzone, complete contracts (such as Bounty or Safecracker) to earn XP and Battle Pass Tokens quickly.

Second, use XP boosts if you have them. Double XP weekends, XP tokens, or BlackCell bonuses can drastically reduce the time it takes to progress through the Battle Pass. Save these boosts for days when you have more time to play, to maximize their impact.

Once you unlock the VST, level it up by using it in matches. The VST's maximum level is 39, and leveling it will unlock new attachments, mastery badges, and access to prestige camos. For mastery badges, you'll need to get 100 kills in multiplayer (or 500 in Zombies) for Badge I, 250 multiplayer kills (or 1,500 in Zombies) for Badge II, and 500 multiplayer kills (or 3,000 in Zombies) for the full mastery badge.

Final Thoughts on Unlocking the VST

The VST is a versatile and powerful SMG that fits perfectly into Black Ops 7's fast-paced gameplay. With two straightforward unlock methods-free via the Battle Pass or instant via a store bundle-every player can add this weapon to their loadout. You can also utilize MMOexp's services—such as BO7 Boosting and Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies—to quickly unlock and experience new content.

If you're willing to put in a little grind, the Battle Pass method is the best choice, as it's free and lets you earn other rewards along the way. If you want to skip the grind, the store bundle is a convenient option, though it will cost real money.

Once unlocked, take the time to level up the VST and experiment with attachments to mitigate its recoil and extend its range. With the right setup, the VST can become your go-to weapon for close-range dominance in both multiplayer and Warzone. Now get out there, grind those Battle Pass tiers (or pick up the store bundle), and start dominating with the VST!

MMOexp COD Black Ops 7 Team